scientists in the u.s. are sounding the alarm here that we are woefully unprepared. >> we have a number of cities on the eastern seaboard that are at risk for major earthquakes. boston, new york city, charleston, south carolina. >> reporter: it's not just california. the most dangerous zone is in the middle of the country, in the lower midwest. the last big one here was in 1895 and when, not if, when, it happens again, there would be millions left homeless and billions in damages. >> it's like a hard, cold slab that allows energy to travel very efficiently. in california the rocks are relatively hot, shattered and energy dissipates quicker. >> reporter: gary patterson is a geologist in memphis and he showed us old buildings across his city that he says would never make it. they were built long before current codes with old brick masonry. school buildings, police and fire departments. >> areas that may receive the most damage, you would expect those fire department buildings may not be operational. >> report